Members Newsletter | Issue 12
Welcome to Peckham Pantry’s April 2024 Newsletter!
As we step into Spring and a new financial year, Peckham Pantry is brimming with optimism and excitement for the journey ahead.
Since we began in 2019, each year brings us renewed growth and a deepening impact on the lives of those we serve – from autonomy of food choice, dignity, a community, healthy food options and a financial impact. We are proud that our membership numbers continue to climb steadily, reflecting both the expanding positive influence of the pantry and the growing awareness within our community.
“I was using food banks to feed my family but there is only so much you can get and nothing fresh. Peckham Pantry has allowed my children to have fresh fruit and veg and not just tinned. You were really there when I needed help. And everyone is so lovely.”
– Member survey respondent
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is hearing the feedback from our pantry members. Their testimonials consistently highlight the profound benefits they experience in terms of improved health and wellbeing, invaluable financial support, access to a diverse range of nutritious foods, and the invaluable sense of belonging fostered by our community-centered approach.
Looking ahead, our commitment remains steadfast: to uphold the highest standards of food quality, deliver exceptional service, and foster an environment where every member of our community can thrive. We extend our gratitude to our members for their unwavering support, which fuels our mission and inspires us to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, let us embark on another year of shared growth, resilience, and community impact at Peckham Pantry.
Finally, Pecan who hosts Peckham Pantry, are celebrating 35 years as a community charity, so we want to hear your stories and connections with Pecan and its services, so we can map our journey and impact in Southwark. So, share your Pecan story by emailing welcome@pecan.org.uk and add in the subject title ‘Pecan35 Story’ or complete this short questionnaire.
Shahid Mughal
Head of Food Services
Co-op has chosen the Peckham Pantry to be their charity of the year
Don’t forget…
To support our pantry and support the value it brings to many, please consider donating to the pantry via the Bankuet QR code or link. The Pantry is able to provide affordable food shops for their members because of the kindness and generosity of volunteers and donors.
Thank you.
Temi Okudiya
Peckham Pantry Manager
Ambassadors of the Month:
Milenag
Hello, I’m Milenag
I have been a volunteer at Peckham Pantry for a year now. I find it a very good place for people with different skills and who want to improve themselves.
My volunteering day is Monday and I always prepare for it with a positive and welcoming attitude. I was advised to come and see it from a charity called St Mungo’s and I am very happy I came along, because I met nice people, and I would like to keep it this way.
Samina
My name is Samina, and I have been a shopper at Peckham Pantry for two years and then I graduated into becoming a volunteer, my two-year anniversary is April 2024.
I came to the pantry, and I saw they needed volunteers. At that time, due to losing my position in the pandemic and having an accident in July 2021, which left me immobilised for quite a few months, I knew I needed structure back into my week. When I was physically ready and able, I signed up to be a volunteer. I wanted to give to a community venture and Peckham Pantry serves the community and wider afield. Some pantries only accept people who are referred by their key workers, but at the Pantry we are open to all.
It’s such a fun place to be volunteering, everyone is friendly, and we try to help our members and each other as much as we can. In the beginning I was working one morning and one afternoon per week, but now I am volunteering in the holidays as I have recently secured a position as a sessional tutor, teaching hand embroidery for mindfulness to adults.
Engagement Group/Coffee Morning
Peckham Pantry Steering Group is a group of pantry members, volunteers and staff who meet once a month to develop ideas on how to engage with pantry members and members of the wider local community.
Book Swap
Have you used our new book swap and kids reading corner yet? This came about from an idea within our steering group, thanks to our dedicated member Laura Jane and her friend Barbora. We’re working on implementing more of our members’ ideas, so stay tuned!
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 7 May 9.30-10.30am, and meetings take place at Pecan (121a Peckham High Street, SE15 5SE) with the option to join online. If you would like to join our Steering Group, or just share an idea for Peckham Pantry, please contact Flora on 07929 999 006.
Coffee Morning
Or just pop by our next Peckham Pantry Coffee Morning on Thursday 16 May from 10.30-11.30am at Peckham Park Road to join us for a cuppa and a chat!
Cheesy Tuna Melts
Recipe by Bill Coleman from Peckham Pantry Steering Group
Ingredients:
2 cans of Tuna
Half a bunch of finely chopped spring onions
4 tablespoons of Mayonnaise
3 Thick slices of granary or white crusty bread
50 grams of Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
Method
Step 1
Preheat the grill on its highest setting. Drain the tuna, flake it into a bowl and mix with the spring onions and mayonnaise. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2
Toast the bread under the grill until it’s nicely browned on both sides then spread the tuna mixture on top right up to the edges of the toast.
Scatter over the cheese and put it back on the grill until the cheese is bubbling.
Step 3
Cut in half, eat and enjoy!
As always, have fun with your cooking.
BBC Food - £1 Dinners
Events at Pecan
Pecan is a community charity based in Peckham, Southwark since 1989 and Peckham Pantry is a part of Pecan’s Food Services. To find out more about Pecan and to become part of the Pantry’s wider community, visit Pecan’s website: www.pecan.org.uk and sign up to Pecan’s newsletter.
FREE | Hands on Letterpress workshop
Tuesday 14 May, 11am-2pm
Pecan, 121a Peckham High Street SE15 5SE
Experience the traditional craft of letterpress during this workshop. Select from a range of vintage wood block typefaces, compose your message, ink the blocks, and print your personalized poster to take home
Theme: Peckham Perspective
FREE | Creative Writing Course #4
Pecan, 121a Peckham High Street SE15 5SE
13 May – 24 June, 10.30am-12pm
An informal and welcoming group facilitated by Wordsmiths. To register for the course email Vashti: together@pecan.org.uk
FREE | IT Sessions at Peckham Library #2
- Beginners: 10am to 11am
- Intermediates: 11am to 12pm
To secure your place in the first intake, please contact employment.support@pecan.org.uk
Pantry Opening Times
49-53 Peckham Park Road, SE15 6TU
- Monday- 9am - 4pm
- Tuesday- 11am - 4pm
- Wednesday- 9am - 4pm
- Thursday- 10am - 7pm
- Friday- 9am - 4pm
- Saturday- 9am - 3pm
- Sunday- Closed
St Lukes Church, Chandler Way, SE15 6DT
- Monday- Closed
- Tuesday- Closed
- Wednesday- 10am - 2pm
- Thursday - Closed
- Friday - Closed
- Saturday - Closed
- Sunday - Closed
Vacancies
If you would like to become a Pantry Ambassador then contact us at:
email: pantry@pecan.org.uk
tel: 020 7277 7075.
website: www.pecan.org.uk/peckham-pantry
We currently partner with Tropical Sun, who support us by matching our purchases from them, pound for pound. We are committed to sourcing a diverse range of food for our members to have the best selection possible.Tropical Sun’s Partnership gives back to the local community, making it possible for us to stock an ethnically diverse range of food that caters to our members’ needs and tastes.
